The respiratory system and respiration

Question 1

Main functions of the respiratory system.

Answer 1

• To act as channels for gases moving to and
from the lungs
• To protect the lungs from entry of any
foreign matter
• Control the heat and humidity of the gases

Question 2

What is Larynx?

Answer 2

commonly known as the voice box

Question 3

What is Pharynx?

Answer 3

Pharynx: can be divided into three parts- nasopharynx (lies behind the nasal cavity) , oropharynx (situated at the level of the mouth) and laryngopharynx (the lowest section of the pharynx that is continuous with the oesophagus).

Question 4

What is Larynx?

Answer 4

commonly known as the voice box

Question 5

What is Trachea?

Answer 5

Trachea: situated in front of the oesophagus and composed of 15-20 incomplete rings of cartilage stacked one on top of the other and have functions such as preventing closure of the trachea and allowing slight expansion of the oesophagus during swallowing.

Helps to filter, warm and moisten inspired air.
Tracheostomy: an opening created at the front of the neck so a tube can be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help you breathe. If necessary, the tube can be connected to an oxygen supply and a breathing machine called a ventilator.

Question 6

Adaptations during pregnancy

Answer 6

20% increase of the demand of oxygen
An increase of amount of C02 excreted
Gravid uterus: pressure on lungs increase and respiration is restricted

Question 7

ALVEOLI

Answer 7

Millions of alveoli and is the location of gas exchange
Surfactant- substance in the lungs that helps humans breathe effortlessly . Some premature babies will have low levels of surfactant → artificial surfactant or high pressures to ventilate baby which could damage lung tissue
Maximises surface area

Question 8

Bronchi

Answer 8

Bronchi: the trachea seperates into two air passages called bronchi. The right bronchi is shorter and wider than the left.
Smooth muscle

BRONCHODILATION-SALBUTAMOL: medication for asthmatics. Same medication to induce labour → Relax muscles in the uterus to stop contractions
Broncho constriction
Asthmatics can’t breathe out properly
Asthma should be better during pregnancy → RELAXIN HORMONE

Question 9

Lungs

Answer 9

The two lungs- where gas exchange takes place. The right lung is divided into three distinct lobes and the left into two.

Pleura: membrane in the outer surface of the lungs
Pleurisy: is inflammation of the sheet-like layers that cover the lungs (the pleura). The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain when breathing deeply. Sometimes the pain is also felt in the shoulder.

Pleural effusion: build up of fluid in the linings of the lungs → sign of cancer
Pneumothorax: is a space created between the lungs and chest wall due to the rupture os the pleural layers- collapsing the lungs.